Politicians are notorious for giving voters a song and dance. Here's President Barack Obama giving a song, at least, with one of his favorite fans -- Obama girl (with the little help of some media technology): … [Read more...] about Political Duet: Obama Girl And Obama Sing
Bookmark it: Recovery.Gov
Towards the close of his first weekly address, President Obama promises: We’ll launch an unprecedented effort to root out waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary spending in our government, and every American will be able to see how and where we spend taxpayer dollars by going to a new website called recovery.gov. More transparency via the web. For now the site is only the … [Read more...] about Bookmark it: Recovery.Gov
Blagomania; or, My Own Personal Pearl Harbor
Here's what (still) Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich told the AP a couple of days ago: Dec. 9 to my family, to us, to me, is what Pearl Harbor Day was to the United States. It was a complete surprise, completely unexpected. And just like the United States prevailed in that, we'll prevail in this. (TNR's Isaac Chotiner calls it the Quote of the Century. At the very least, … [Read more...] about Blagomania; or, My Own Personal Pearl Harbor
Throw Some Meat At The GOP Feet
If President Obama wants to see his $850 billion stimulus package approved by 80% of Congress, perhaps he should throw dissident Republicans and conservative Democrats a morsel of meat to nibble. That would be House Republican leader John Boehner's call for deeper tax cuts. Boehner proposes lower federal income tax rates in the two lowest brackets rather than provide a $500 … [Read more...] about Throw Some Meat At The GOP Feet
Conservative Double Standards: J. Harvie Wilkinson III on Judicial Appointments
I quote Chait, who quotes Wilkinson: In today's Washington Post, conservative judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III appeals for an ideological truce in appointments that just happens to coincide with the exact moment Democrats have retaken the nominating power: So the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit is set for a takeover. Popular commentary has it that the court, on … [Read more...] about Conservative Double Standards: J. Harvie Wilkinson III on Judicial Appointments
Republican Congressional Leaders Talk About Meeting With Obama
We've all read the stories. Now you can GO HERE and watch what Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) said. … [Read more...] about Republican Congressional Leaders Talk About Meeting With Obama
Mexican Drug Wars A Form Of Genocide
The depravity of the Mexican drug wars has surpassed the horrific and bizarre. The Mexican military Friday said they arrested a man for dissolving at least 300 bodies in acid for one of the cartels for $600 a week over the past decade. Mexican officials in Tijuana paraded the man, identified as Santiago Meza Lopez, in front of reporters and said he had confessed. They … [Read more...] about Mexican Drug Wars A Form Of Genocide
Obama’s ‘I Won’ Comment
When I first read about the comment at Politico, it didn't sound like Obama; it sounded more like "I'm the Decider" ... President Obama listened to Republican gripes about his stimulus package during a meeting with congressional leaders Friday morning -- but he also left no doubt about who's in charge of these negotiations. "I won," Obama noted matter-of-factly, according … [Read more...] about Obama’s ‘I Won’ Comment
Gallup Poll: Obama 68% Approval Rating But Another Poll Underscores Growing Opposition
A new Gallup Poll finds that President Barack Obama's debut as President has netted him a 68 percent approval rating -- the highest of the past 8 Presidents were were elected to their first term. But a Rasmussen Reports poll finds approval lower -- and the number of conservatives who are unhappy about Obama to be on the rise. Gallup reports: In the first Gallup Poll … [Read more...] about Gallup Poll: Obama 68% Approval Rating But Another Poll Underscores Growing Opposition
Obama Needs Kings!
Received wisdom is that Obama will face his biggest challenges from the left. With that in mind it's worth watching this week's Bill Moyers Journal. His guests include Thomas Frank, David Sirota, Patricia Williams and Melissa Harris-Lacewell. From much to quote, I choose Princeton's Harris-Lacewell: One of the images I've been using as we've been going around the country … [Read more...] about Obama Needs Kings!
Obama’s First Weekly Radio You Tube Address As President
President Barack Obama delivered his first weekly address -- formerly called the President's Weekly Radio Address -- on radio and You Tube. It was mostly boilerplate stuff but the key section is that he is framing discussions so far in Congress as being on track with both parties. No demonization (yet) of GOPers who are dragging their heels. And he's also warning that there is … [Read more...] about Obama’s First Weekly Radio You Tube Address As President
Another Innuendo Over a CBO Report: TRICARE For Life
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is an excellent secondary health insurance program supplementing Medicare for certain military retirees and their families. Recently, the internet has been awash in mass e-mail messages and web posts---including at several reputable web sites devoted to the military---trashing President[-elect] Obama for allegedly trying to cut funds in the budget for … [Read more...] about Another Innuendo Over a CBO Report: TRICARE For Life
What Republicans Must Do: Interview with Andrea Tantaros (Guest Interview)
The raging question continues to be: so what should the Republicans do next? What's the best strategy to become the majority party once again? In this Guest Interview, columnist Bill Steigerwald interviews Republican stragetist Andrea Tantaros who has some specific ideas. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. What Republicans Must … [Read more...] about What Republicans Must Do: Interview with Andrea Tantaros (Guest Interview)
Senator John McCain, Mega Partisanship And Rush Limbaugh
The political Quote of the Day comes from unsuccessful 2008 Republican Presidential candidate Arizona Sen. John McCain, whose words won't make Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity happy as the two talk show hosts continue demonizing Democrats in general and President Barack Obama in particular. He told CNN's Larry King: MCCAIN: ...with the challenges that the country faces now -- … [Read more...] about Senator John McCain, Mega Partisanship And Rush Limbaugh
US to Solve Chinese Economic Crisis
There is an old saying, “Follow the Money.” The current stimulus package is going to provide tax credits to everyone, even those who pay no taxes. What happens when you give people money? They buy stuff, which is good for the economy, right? Well we have a huge trade deficit and most of the consumer goods that will be purchased with this money are made in China and other … [Read more...] about US to Solve Chinese Economic Crisis
Obama Says No to the Party of No
At the White House yesterday, the President made it clear that his Inaugural message to Muslims "on the wrong side of history"--that "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist"--applies to Congressional Republicans as well. Responding to Rep. Eric Cantor's objection to the proposal to increase benefits for low-income workers who don't owe federal income … [Read more...] about Obama Says No to the Party of No
Less Toxic Rhetoric: Maybe, Maybe, Maybe
I've taken some heat for a comment I made in Joe Gandelman's article entitled "The Demonization Of Obama Escalates While GOP Congressional Leaders Drag Their Heels". Here is the comment I made: I figured this would happen after Republicans and Conservatives endured 8 years of hyper toxic language from the Left concerning former President Bush. Even if President Obama … [Read more...] about Less Toxic Rhetoric: Maybe, Maybe, Maybe
Governor Soprano Loses His Lawyer
You would think that things could not get much worse for Governor Soprano these days. Here is a many who has been abandoned by virtually everyone connected with his political career. Both the President of the United States and Rush Limbaugh have called him a disgrace and a crook (and to get the two of them on the same side these days is quite an achievement). With all due … [Read more...] about Governor Soprano Loses His Lawyer
Obama’s Strength in the Red States
The polling numbers for Obama are phenomenal nationwide - ranging from the low 60s to the low 80s, depending on the pollster. What's most striking are the numbers in red states - and in red regions of states. My home state of Tennessee voted for McCain by 57-42. Obama's job approval before the election was 45% in Tennessee. Today, it's 60%. In Texas it's 62%. I don't … [Read more...] about Obama’s Strength in the Red States
In Defense of Partisanship
Lots of folks across the political spectrum hemmed and hawed at Rush Limbaugh's statement that he hoped Barack Obama fails. I don't think there's anything wrong with what Limbaugh says. His ideas for the country are completely different than Obama's. If Obama fails, Limbaugh looks prescient. If Obama succeeds, Limbaugh looks like a fool. Why back down from ideas you believe in … [Read more...] about In Defense of Partisanship